Wimbledon was dominated by the ‘big three’ for over two decades, but one star toppled both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the same year.
Rafael Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer have won Wimbledon 17 times between 2003 and 2022, with the only other winner in that time being Andy Murray in 2013 and 2016.
Other top stars rarely got a look in at SW19 such was the dominance of the ‘big three’, but one star upset the applecart in 2010.
They didn’t end up winning the tournament, but they did knock out Federer and Djokovic to reach the final.
Tomas Berdych defeated Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in the same year at Wimbledon
Tomas Berdych often teased he could become the best of the rest on the ATP Tour and his achievements at Wimbledon 2010 are stunning to look back on.
The Czech former World No. 4 had an inspired tournament in London, making his way to the final at the legendary tournament.
He didn’t have an easy route, either, as he had to topple two of the greatest players to ever play the game.
Berdych met Federer in the quarterfinals, a player who had won every tournament except one since 2003 at the time.
The then-World No. 12 impressed against the Swiss superstar, defeating the then-World No. 1 in four sets.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Berdych then produced another final display in the final four against Djokovic.
Djokovic was the World No. 3 at the time, but Berdych swept past the Serbian in a superb three sets victory.
This wasn’t the first time Djokovic was upset at Wimbledon, but Berdych carved out a piece of history by beating both men in the tournament.
Berdych’s campaign would end in the final at the hands of the other star of the ‘big three’, Nadal, who defeated the Czech player in three sets.
Wimbledon 2010 was a history-making affair
Berdych’s run to the final, becoming the first Czech player since Ivan Lendl to make it to the final two, was not the only piece of history at Wimbledon 2010.
For the first time ever, there were no English players in the draw with Great Britain’s hopes relying on Scotsman Andy Murray and Jamie Baker.
The tournament also featured the longest match in tennis history as John Isner and Nicolas Mahut played out an 11-hour-plus first-round match on No. 18 court.
As such, Wimbledon 2010 became a legendary tournament full of competition-defying action across the draw.